The metagenome-derived enzymes LipS and LipT increase the diversity of known lipases.

Triacylglycerol lipases (EC 3.1.1.

Cloning, expression, purification and preliminary X-ray analysis of a putative metagenome-derived lipase.

LipS is a novel thermostable putative lipase that was isolated from a metagenomic library using functional screening methods. The corresponding gene shows high similarity to that encoding a putative but uncharacterized esterase from Symbiobacterium thermophilum IAM14863 (99% nucleotide-sequence similarity). Two different constructs of the recombinant lipase were crystallized.

Altered IgE epitope presentation: A model for hypoallergenic activity revealed for Bet v 1 trimer.

In order to reduce side effects in the course of allergen specific immunotherapy hypoallergenic allergen derivatives with reduced IgE reactivity have been made by genetic engineering. In contrast to other recombinant hypoallergenic allergen derivatives which showed reduced IgE reactivity, a recombinant trimer of the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 showed reduced allergenic activity despite preserved IgE reactivity. We studied rBet v 1 trimer by SDS-PAGE, mass spectrometry, circular dichroism and gel filtration.

Characterization of folded recombinant Der p 5, a potential diagnostic marker allergen for house dust mite allergy.

Background: Der p 5 was reported as an important allergen in Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, which is particularly recognized by patients suffering from asthma. The aim of this study was to produce, by recombinant DNA technology, a folded Der p 5 allergen for diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive purposes.

Methods: Der p 5-encoding cDNA was isolated from a lambda gt11 D.

Characterization of Der p 21, a new important allergen derived from the gut of house dust mites.

Background: The house dust mite (HDM) Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is a major allergen source eliciting allergic asthma. The aim of the study was to identify new important HDM allergens associated with allergic asthma.

Methods: A cDNA coding for a new mite allergen, designated Der p 21, was isolated using immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies from patients with allergic asthma out of a D.